The subject of this sketch was born May, 1865, in Saline County, Missouri, second son of Asa C. Merrill, a prominent farmer of that State. William’s mother was a Miss Akres, also of that State, whose father is now residing in Kansas City. William attended public school until fifteen years of age, when he began assisting his father, and remained on the farm until that parent’s death in 1885, which he and his brother assumed charge of the property for their mother. In 1886 William took the responsibility upon himself, and with his family, in 1888, moved to Vinita, Cherokee Nation, where he farmed two years, and in 1891 was appointed deputy constable for the first judicial division of the Indian Territory. On August 8, of the same year, he received the appointment of deputy United States marshal, and is, at the time of writing, employed in both of these capacities. Mr. Merrill is a young man of gentlemanly bearing and good address, and as an officer is energetic and trustworthy, gaining the confidence of the public by his good moral character and attention to his duties.
